Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software that scan resumes for role fit. They look for keywords, dates, and clear sections. If your resume misses keywords or uses odd formatting, an ATS can skip your file.

For a Physiotherapy Assistant, ATS usually checks for clinical skills, certifications, and care tasks. Use exact terms like "therapeutic exercises," "gait training," "patient transfers," "ADL assistance," "TENS," "ultrasound," "SOAP notes," "rehab support," "manual handling," "CPR," and "First Aid." Mention relevant settings like "outpatient clinic," "acute care," or "long-term care."

Best practices:

• Use standard section titles like "Work Experience," "Education," and "Skills."
• Include job-specific keywords naturally from the job posting.
• Avoid tables, columns, images, headers, or footers that confuse ATS.
• Choose readable fonts like Arial or Calibri and use 10-12 point size.
• Save as PDF or .docx unless the posting says otherwise.

Common mistakes include replacing exact keywords with creative synonyms. Don't write "movement coach" when the posting asks for "physiotherapy assistant."

Also avoid hiding info in headers, footers, or images. Many ATS ignore those areas. Finally, never skip certifications or dates of employment.

Pick a clean, professional template for a Physiotherapy Assistant. Use a reverse-chronological layout so your most recent patient care and rehab experience appears first. That layout reads well and works with most applicant tracking systems.

Keep length tight. One page fits entry-level or mid-career roles. Use two pages only if you have many direct-care roles, certifications, or extended clinical placements.

Choose an ATS-friendly font like Calibri, Arial, or Georgia. Use 10-12pt for body text and 14-16pt for section headers. Leave clear white space between sections so a hiring manager can scan your tasks and outcomes.

Use consistent spacing and simple bullets for responsibilities and achievements. Describe clinical tasks with action verbs and short metrics when possible, for example: "assisted 8 patients daily with gait training". Keep formatting simple rather than adding icons or multi-column layouts.

Avoid common mistakes. Don't use complex tables, heavy graphics, or non-standard fonts. Don't cram text into tiny margins or use dense paragraphs that hide your hands-on skills.

Include standard headings: Contact, Professional Summary, Clinical Experience, Education, Certifications, Skills, and Volunteer or Clinical Placements. Put dates and location on one line so ATS can parse them easily.

Writing a tailored cover letter matters for a Physiotherapy Assistant role. It shows your fit beyond what your resume lists. It proves you know the clinic, the team, and the patients you want to help.

Keep the letter short and focused. Use clear examples that match the job posting. Mention patient care, mobility support, therapeutic exercise, and documentation skills where relevant.

Key sections

• Header: Put your contact details, the clinic's name, and the date. Add the hiring manager's name if you know it.
• Opening paragraph: Name the role, show enthusiasm for the clinic, and state your strongest qualification or where you saw the job.
• Body paragraphs: Connect your work to the job needs. Highlight patient handling, exercise program support, vital-sign checks, wheelchair transfers, or EMR entries. Share one short story about a patient outcome. Use numbers when you can, like caseload size or recovery improvements.
• Closing paragraph: Restate your interest, express confidence in your contribution, ask for an interview, and thank the reader.

When you write, aim for a friendly professional tone. Speak directly to the reader. Use plain language. Avoid long sentences and jargon. Pull keywords from the job ad and mirror them in your letter.

Tailor each letter. Mention the clinic or hospital and one reason you want to work there. Change details to match each application. That makes you memorable.

Keep paragraphs short. Edit ruthlessly. Cut anything that does not prove you can help patients and the team.

When you apply for a Physiotherapy Assistant role, small resume slip-ups can cost you interviews. Recruiters look for clear evidence you can support therapists, handle patients safely, and document care accurately. Pay attention to wording, layout, and evidence of hands-on skills. A few focused fixes will make your resume easier to read and much more convincing.

Below are common mistakes people make for this role. Each entry shows a short example and a practical fix you can apply right away.

This page gives focused FAQs and practical tips to help you craft a Physiotherapy Assistant resume. You’ll find clear answers about skills, format, project examples, and how to explain gaps. Use these to make your experience and patient-care strengths obvious to hiring managers.